Along with my research I received page photocopied which has name Matkovic. Page is from the Official Directory of Mercer County, Illinois 1935 Directory of Farmers, Breeders, Business Firms, Town and Village Residents, Schools, Churches, Lodges and Officials. Matkovic, John (Anna Adams); Children Ganna, Marvin, John Recently there was mention of Matkovic in the town of Rathbun, Iowa There is a Rathbun Reunion scheduled for Saturday, June 22 for all former residents of the town. An article in the Des Moines Register May 30, 1943, stated: "Rathbun is one of the Midwest’s oldest Croatian communities—a coal mining settlement of 350 inhabitants. Rathbun’s white and gray stucco cottages are built on some of the greenest hills of Appanoose County. Somehow the bleak grime of the typical mining camp has missed this village." Of course, most of the coal miners are gone, but those of us who are descendants will be going to the reunion. My grandfather, John Todey, was one of the early settlers in Rathbun. A little more from the article quotes my grandfather. Rathbun was established as a coal mining town in the early 90’s. John Todey, 70, one of the first settlers, saw the town grow to more than 600 in population, then shrink to almost half that size. He spent his years in the mines and raised a family of 12 children, 11 of whom are living. He now is a mine weight checker. “I got here before they built the railroad station,” he said. “they have torn it down and I’m still here. This is a good country and I appreciate it. “In the old country we had to do what we were told to do. And we didn’t have much to say about it. “I worked on the railroad there, 11 hours a day for 80 cents a day. When I came here, they were paying 16 1/2 cents an hour in the mines and the men worked 10 hours a day. Now they are paying 89 cents an hour for seven hours, inside the mines,” Todey said. “I have two sons in the army. We know what this country means and we want to help preserve the liberties we have here.” In ancient times, the Croatians established a tradition as being fearless warriors, fighting under command of the zupani, or tribal chiefs. On the battlefield the Croatians ARE PRESERVING that tradition; in America they has established communities which are among the most peaceful and resourceful." You could imagine that I was pretty excited to find that article. Would any one know what the name of the railroad would have been? He was born in Fuzine, Croatia, but maybe he had to leave home to get the work? He immigrated in 1892. Back to the reunion there was mention that all former residents of Rathbun could not be located - if you know of anyone who did not receive an invitation to the reunion I can give details. Louise